Vietnam/Cambodia 14-Day Trip

USD $4,850 – Trip cost per person (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)

A down payment of half the trip cost per person is needed to secure a spot on the trip. The other half is due 75 days before the trip start date.

*$300 of the down payment serves as an administrative fee and is non-refundable. You can see our cancellation policy HERE.

What is included :

  • 13 nights accommodation (single occupancy)
  • Airport pick-up
  • Halong Bay 2 overnight cruise (premium boat)
  • 2 internal flights (1 domestic & 1 international – Vietnam to Cambodia)
  • Private, air-conditioned ground transportation
  • 1 local tour leader in Vietnam
  • 1 local tour leader in Cambodia
  • Tour host(s)
  • Angkor complex entry (3-day pass)
  • Activities as indicated on the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners

What is not included :

  • International flights
  • Airport drop-off
  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Some lunches and dinners
  • Optional activities
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenirs
  1. Who can go on this trip?
    This trip is only for women part of the Solo in Style Facebook group.

    Smile policy
    We welcome all kinds of travelers and the group dynamic of each trip is different but also part of what makes the trip so amazing. You should be able to treat everyone in the group as well as the locals with respect and kindness.

    No complainers
    Our goal is for everyone to have fun and a trip of a lifetime. On our trips, you should be able to let the small stuff go and exercise flexibility when things don’t go according to plan. If you are a traveler who finds fault with everything and complains about the little things, then our trips are not right for you. Come with an open mind and adventurous spirit, and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime!

    Vietnam and Cambodia are not like home
    Expect things to be different than what you’re used to back home and remember that it’s all a part of traveling and experiencing new places! For example, water pressure, bed and pillow firmness, and room temperature may be different than what you’re used to back home. Also, Wifi may be spotty, slow, or even unavailable in certain remote areas.

    Trip leaders
    Your trip leaders will help you have an unforgettable experience and can answer questions & offer suggestions. They will always try to go above and beyond to help you have an amazing trip but are not your personal assistants. Travelers should exercise a certain level of self-sufficiency and independence on our trips. We also suggest tipping those who went out of their way to help you, especially your trip leaders who will be with you every day throughout the entire trip.

    Semi-independent trip
    Our trips are designed for the semi-independent traveler. If you choose not to participate in any of the included activities, you are responsible for organizing your own activities. Your trip leaders can offer recommendations for alternative activities but it is up to you to make reservations for extra activities.

    Additionally, you’re free to arrive before or depart after the trip but pre-/post-tour plans, accommodation, transport, etc. are yours to arrange. We do not offer assistance with any plans outside of the trip dates.

  2. This trip requires a low level of physical fitness. If you’re not feeling up for an activity, you’re welcome to explore on your own.

    To participate in this trip you should be able to:

    • Walk 1 – 2 miles throughout the day unassisted, up/down stairs, over unpaved or cobblestone surfaces with/without an incline, and on paths with rough terrain.
    • Be comfortable on your feet for up to 4 hours walking and standing, indoors and outdoors, and in all weather conditions.
    • Carry your luggage from the taxi/van to the hotel and your room.
    • Get in and out of a van without assistance.
  3. Each group consists of 6 – 12 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.

    A small group number also means that the participants will receive more personal treatment from the trip leaders who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.

  4. While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time and the trip leaders can recommend and/or help arrange any activity that might interest you. Activities in your free time are not included in the trip cost and are at your own expense.

  5. Airport pick-up is included in this trip. The arrival airport is Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN).

    Airport drop-off is not included. The departure airport is Siem Reap, Cambodia (SAI). The hotel can help you arrange a taxi to the airport. Or you can pre-arrange an airport drop-off with a transport company such as Welcome Pickups or one that you find on travel sites such as TripAdvisor.

  6. Most nationalities traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia need an e-visa that can be obtained online before arrival in both countries.

    For this trip, you’ll need a single-entry visa, valid for up to 30 days in each country. To apply for the e-visas online, please click on the links below:

    Vietnam e-Visa Application

    Cambodia e-Visa Application

    If you are unsure if you are eligible for an e-visa to either country, please check with the nearest Vietnamese and Cambodian embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to both countries.


    We will contact you approximately 90 days before the trip starts to remind you to apply for the visa. To see instructions on how to get a visa for each country, please click the following links:

    How to get the Vietnam visa

    How to get the Cambodia visa

    As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

  7. The official currency of Vietnam is the dong (VND). Many shops and stores will only accept VND. You may find some tourist shops that accept USD. If you pay in USD,  you will almost always get VND back in change. As a general rule, you will pay for almost everything in VND.


    The official currency of Cambodia is the riel (KHR). KHR and USD are accepted almost equally at shops, restaurants, street food vendors, hotels, cafes, bars, etc, and can also be used as tips. Therefore, we highly recommend going to the bank before your trip and getting some USD that are small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20). If you pay in USD,  you will almost always get KHR back as change.

    Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.

  8. We strongly recommend using ATMs while in Vietnam and Cambodia as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to withdraw some money from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card. Your trip leader in Vietnam will help you to find ATMs. In Cambodia, ATMs are very easy to find nearly everywhere.

    It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Vietnam and Cambodia. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries if they haven’t been forewarned of your travel plans.

    Upon arrival, your trip leaders can show you the nearest ATM or money exchange office near the hotel to help you exchange or withdraw money if needed.

  9. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted in Vietnam and Cambodia. However, in high-end establishments such as expensive shops, restaurants, and in hotels, you shouldn’t have a problem paying with your card; though American Express and Discover aren’t commonly accepted. Anywhere else, it’s advisable to carry cash in case you come across a retailer that cannot take card payments.

  10. Vietnam and Cambodia do not have a strong tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis, and personal services, all tips are at your discretion. If you do decide to tip, around 10% of the total bill is acceptable.

    Trip leaders: If you feel they did an exceptional job, then you can tip around 5 – 10 USD/EUR per day based on past travelers’ feedback.

    For more information about tipping your tour guides, please see our blog on tipping your tour guide.

  11. We recommend having access to anywhere between $400 – 700 USD/EUR either in cash or by ATM card based on past travelers’ feedback. We strongly advise budgeting more than you plan to spend in case of an emergency.

    As most components of your trip have been prepaid, you will only need money for lunches and dinners and any optional activity you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.

  12. Depending on your phone service provider, your phone may work in Vietnam and Cambodia. When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Vietnam and Cambodia, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls, and texts in that country. See the example below:

    Welcome to Vietnam/Cambodia! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day. 

    You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.

  13. All hotels you will be staying at in Vietnam and Cambodia will offer free Wifi as will some restaurants and other public places. The internet may not be as fast as you’re used to and could be spotty if not absent in more remote areas.

    In remote areas such as Halong Bay, phone signal and Wifi can be spotty, weak, or completely absent. Be prepared to ‘disconnect’ when traveling in this area.

  14. In Vietnam and Cambodia, the most common plug is a dual plug that fits European and US pin plugs (see picture below). Vietnam and Cambodia operate on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Converters might be necessary for your electronic devices.

  15. In Vietnam and Cambodia, it is warm to hot almost all year round so it’s best to pack summer clothes. When visiting temples, women need to make sure to have their knees and shoulders covered. To make things easy, we recommend bringing a scarf to cover your shoulders.

    Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:

    • Lightweight clothing that dries quickly
    • Portable fan (for hot days)
    • Sunglasses
    • Hat
    • Flashlight/headlamp
    • Umbrella (for shade & rain)
    • Bathing suit
    • Comfortable walking shoes (with good ankle support)
    • Scarf/light clothing covering knees & shoulders (for women at temples)
    • Jacket/cardigan (for cooler nights in Hanoi/Halong Bay)
    • Flip flops/sandals
    • Sunscreen (biodegradable if possible)
    • Shampoo/conditioner/soap*
    • Small backpack or across-the-shoulder bag (that securely closes)
    • Diarrhea medicine
    • Constipation medicine
    • Motion sickness medicine
    • Prescription medication (if needed)
    • An extra duffle bag (for souvenirs if you are an avid shopper)
    • Overnight bag (for 2 nights at Halong Bay)
    • Adapters/converters, phone chargers, cables (pack 2 of these as they’re often left behind in hotel rooms!)
    • Mosquito repellent (DEET strength)
    • Cold neck wrap (for hot days at Angkor)
    • Mask (for dusty tuk tuk rides)
    • Wet wipes/Napkins (no toilet paper in some public bathrooms)

    *All hotels will have a hairdryer and small toiletries kit but if you want extra shampoo, conditioner, or soap, you can bring your own.

  16. Almost all of the hotels on this trip offer laundry services for a fee if needed. It is best to give laundry to the hotel staff in the morning and it is usually ready by the next day. 

  17. Most will agree that the drinking water in Vietnam and Cambodia is safe for brushing your teeth but is not recommended for drinking. Drinking only bottled water is recommended. Bottled water is easily found and can be purchased for a fee.

    You can purchase bottled water but to alleviate the plastic waste epidemic, we recommend a reusable filtered water bottle like LifeStraw or Grayl.

  18. Vietnam and Cambodia are generally safe countries in terms of violent and non-violent crime. The most common crime that occurs is petty crime such as taxi/tuk-tuk rip-offs. Thus, it is important to carefully choose a taxi before getting in and to negotiate the price before leaving.

    As with any destination, it is always a good idea to avoid flashy or expensive-looking jewelry and to avoid putting anything in your back pockets when traveling around touristy areas or larger towns and cities.

    The US State Department offers general travel information about Vietnam and Cambodia. See below for more information:

    US State Department Travel to Vietnam

    US State Department Travel to Cambodia

  19. Hotels and restaurants throughout Vietnam and Cambodia offer a wide variety of foods. When booking, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip although options might be limited.

  20. Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers websites for Vietnam and Cambodia before traveling to see any recommended vaccinations.

    CDC Health Information for Travelers to Vietnam

    CDC Health Information for Travelers to Cambodia

    If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.

Flights

Your arrival airport is Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN) and your departure airport is Siem Reap, Cambodia (SAI).

*Please do not purchase any flights until you receive an email from us. You will receive an email regarding your trip within 24 – 48 hours of booking.


Visas

Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States passport holders must obtain a visa to travel to Vietnam (except for UK) and Cambodia. It is the responsibility of each traveler to obtain the appropriate visas. We recommend the e-visa as it is the most convenient and time-efficient method. Please be sure to give yourself enough time to allow for the processing of all visa-related documents.

If you are from a country other than those listed above, please check with your nearest Vietnamese or Cambodian Embassy or Consulate about your visa requirements.

To obtain your e-visa for Vietnam and Cambodia, please consult the links below:

Vietnamese E-Visa

Cambodian E-Visa

*We will email you instructions on how to obtain the visa needed for travel to Vietnam and Cambodia about 90 days before the trip.

As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

On this trip, you will stay in charming boutique hotels and on a premium cruise ship. All of the places you will stay at have been hand-selected by us for their central location, impeccable service, and/or quality.

Hanoi

Set adjacent to the popular Train Street, this hotel offers an on-site Vietnamese restaurant, coffee shop, and spa. The hotel’s restaurant is consistently ranked in the top 10 on TripAdvisor and serves up delicious Vietnamese specialties. The rooftop bar is also recommended as it comes alive at night with great city views. At the spa, you can choose from a Vietnamese rice scrub or a traditional herbal massage with most massages, facials, and scrubs; a welcome treat after your long flight!

Halong Bay

This cruise line offers an itinerary to untouched areas in Halong Bay. You’ll stay on a premium boat with spacious rooms and every room has a private balcony. Plus, there’s a bathtub in every cabin. Perfect for luxurious bubble baths while gazing out the giant one-way window that offers great views of the picturesque Halong Bay as you sail.

Hoi An

Situated at the heart of Hoi An, this boutique hotel exemplifies the heart of Hoianese people: hospitable, honest, and welcoming. The hotel has a restaurant serving local specialties, a bar for a drink to cap off your day of adventures, a swimming pool with a bar to cool off, and a spa if you’d like to treat yourself to a massage.

Siem Reap

This boutique hotel is set amid lush tropical gardens and has a large swimming pool. It is ideally located in the center of Siem Reap city and shopping and nightlife are within walking distance. Rooms feature Cambodian-style furnishings with modern amenities. There is a spa on the property along with a restaurant serving local cuisine as well as a wide selection of other Asian and international dishes and a bar.

We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.

For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.

Trip insurance get a quote travelex

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N